MLB World Series 2008

It seems like pitchers and catchers reported to camp just yesterday, but here we are, 219 days later getting ready for Game One of the Fall Classic. We’ve already been well versed in Tampa Bay’s worst-to-first story, and we all know that the city of Philadelphia hasn’t won a championship in the four major sports since the 76ers took home the title during the 1982-83 season, so really all that’s left is to watch the games.

The Phillies have already managed to lose a World Series to the Yanks, Red Sox, Orioles & Blue Jays in their history, and the Rays will look to complete the AL East sweep starting tonight with Scott Kazmir on the mound. The third longest tenured Ray is the fifth youngest player on the team, and hasn’t looked right for a good month now. This is no time for excuses though, he just has to get it done now.

Taken two picks after Kazmir in the first round of the 2002 draft, Cole Hamels looks to continue his superb postseason pitching tonight, except now he’ll be facing a real lineup instead of those wimpy NL offenses. The Phils haven’t played a game in a week, so there figures to be some rust early on. Simulated games and extra BP can only do so much.

The pre-game ceremonies start at 8pm, with the game to follow afterwards. Joe Buck & Timmy McCarver have the call on FOX. Yippee. (always fun to watch

.)

Philadelphia
1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Shane Victorino, CF
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Pat Burrell, LF
6. Jayson Werth, RF
7. Pedro Feliz, 3B
8. Chris Coste, DH
9. Carlos Ruiz, C
- Cole Hamels, P (14-10, 3.09)

Tampa Bay
1. Akinori Iwamura, 2B
2. BJ Upton, CF
3. Carlos Pena, 1B
4. Evan Longoria, 3B
5. Carl Crawford, LF
6. Willy Aybar, DH
7. Dioner Navarro, C
8. Ben Zobrist, RF
9. Jason Bartlett, SS
- Scott Kazmir, P (12-8, 3.49)

I’m going to throw my predicition out here for the record: Rays in 6, with the Phils winning only Hamels’ starts. If the Rays win tonight, get the brooms out. MVP … let’s say … Carlos Pena.